Research in focus

Lupus in fabula - Ancient Fable Poetry. Commentaries and Narratological Approaches to a long-neglected Genre

FWF project: P36153-G (2023-2026)

Employees: Sarah Berghofer, Christopher Poms

The aim of the Graz research group is to present the first basic research on the long-neglected verse fable poetry (Phaedrus, Babrios, Avian). The form of interpretative commentary chosen for this purpose provides explanations typical of commentaries and also offers an analytical interpretation of the texts based on a close reading. Corresponding commentaries are already available for Phaedrus (B. 1; B. 2&3; U. Gärtner) and Babrios (Babr. prol. 1 &2; 1-17; L. Spielhofer). The volumes on Phaedrus B. 4&5 (U. Gärtner) and on Avian (Chr. Poms) are now to be completed during the funding phase. These commentaries will be supplemented by comparative studies on the narrative strategies of the three fable collections and a comprehensive bibliography.